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Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Antique Tibetan thokcha representing Vajarapani

Thogchag or Thokcha are also prized in the Himalayan regions and some are believed to be made from a combination of meteorite and other metals. Thogchag literally means 'Sky Fallen'. Most pieces have Buddhist influences but some are said to have their roots in the Bon tradition, which pre-dates Tibetan Buddhism. Other pieces may have originated from Persia. They are worn on the body as protective amulets, and like dZi can sometimes be prescribed in Tibetan Medicine.

●Blog Owner●

James Wainwright has been studying and collecting beads for more than 20 years. One of his greatest interests is the dZi beads of Tibet and the many other types of stone beads found within the Himalayan regions. The prized bronze artefacts known in Tibet as "Thokcha" have also inspired his appreciation of Tibetan amulets in all their myriad forms.

James has made numerous pilgrimages throughout India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, often for many months at a time. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk by Tai Situpa Rinpoche in the 1990s and for several years he lived and worked at the Tibetan Monastery called Kagyu Samye Ling. During these years he was able to deepen his understanding of Tibetan iconography, ritual and meditation practice. He now lives in Cornwall in the South West of England, with his family. He founded the Tibetan Dharma store called Garuda Trading in 1999. This is now one of the few sources (outside of Asia) where collectors can find genuine ancient beads and other Himalayan treasures.